Teaching kids states of matter

Solids, liquids, and gases! The many states of matter are covered in almost all of our primary school curricula. When students are learning about matter and the interactions between different types of matter, it is essential for them to grasp this notion.

States of matter

In most cases, it is good to begin an introduction to a scientific subject by first going through the terminology and language that will be used. You will be able to teach crucial language and ideas if you use an anchor chart that has descriptions that are both clear and easy to understand. Students will have a better chance of being successful when they investigate the issue further if they do this first. A brief explanation of each state of matter, along with some instances and a corresponding graphic, may be found in the chart that can be seen above. Please make sure that this is on display when the children are engaging in an additional investigation of the many states of matter!

Exploring states of matter

The next step is to investigate each of the states. During this investigation phase of your class, your students should be reading and writing about each of the many states of matter. Students would have the opportunity to read and write about solids, liquids, and gases thanks to the reading materials, visual organizers, and activities that I would give to them. Your reading materials might be taken from your scientific textbook, printed sections, or topic-specific literature. Encourage your kids to reflect on what they are reading by having them use graphic organizers or other note-taking tools to write about it.

states of matter

Tangible objects

Your children will have a much easier time understanding the many states of the matter. It is if you include a hands-on exercise. Get some post-it notes and things with circular shapes! Sticky notes may be used to illustrate each of the three states of matter. And the circular items can be used to illustrate the particles. You may use fruit loops, money, plastic counters, etc. In order for your pupils to demonstrate the state of matter. You should have them arrange the “particles” inside each sticky note region. Also, you may even print out a variety of shapes to engage in this exercise again and again! You may print things that symbolize each of the states. Such as a desk, a pitcher of water, a helium tank, a cloud, an ice cube, or a glass of water.

Books and resources

When your pupils have a fundamental comprehension of each state, you can then go on to teach them about transitioning between states. After that, the interactive visual organizers, exercises, and quizzes will be available for your pupils to utilize in order to better comprehend the idea.

When you begin to delve into this idea. Make it a point to include readings, books, films, and activities that illustrate the many ways. It is in which states of matter may be altered. You may even repeat the tasks that you’ve done with each state. But this time you should turn your emphasis to moving between states. Make an anchor chart with a new language. Have students read and write about changing states. And use circular objects to depict how particles shift from one state to the next. As an example, you may create an anchor chart.

About the Author

Lisa Lee

Lisa Lee

I am a Parsons School of Design graduate with a certified teacher's license. At Gooroo, my passion is to educate students through an artist's approach, which requires critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. During the elementary years, I think that students broaden their perspective and expression through art, and this skill can be applied to any other fields of study later on. I believe that a true educator can be the key to unlocking every child's potential. Gooroo is a tutoring membership that matches students to tutors perfect for them based on their unique learning needs. Gooroo offers Math, English, SAT, Coding, Spanish tutoring, and more.